2016 New To You Reading Challenge

Posted November 6, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments

2016 New To You Reading ChallengeThis Reading Challenge is simply for pure fun — and adventuring out beyond my own comfort zone in the genres that I don’t normally read.

I honestly don’t intend to get caught up in Challenge madness this year.  The three Challenges that I’ve posted about this morning will probably be the only ones that I do this year.  I have a better idea of my time limits going into this second year of book review blogging.  I’m not super blogger by any means *grin*  I wish.

The New To You Reading Challenge is simply reading an author that you’ve just discovered, or trying out a far different genre than you usually read.  It’s simple, uncomplicated and just about anyone could do it.

So head over to the sign up page at The Herd Presents and check out the rules and suggestions.  I’m going for Level 4 of 50 books.  I believe I can master that, after all I’ve got an entire year.  🙂

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2016 Blogger Shame Review Challenge

Posted November 6, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments

Blogger Shame Reading ChallengeThis Reading Challenge is a bit different – but so needed.

As book reviewers who blog, we sometimes get overwhelmed with books that need to be read and reviewed – like yesterday.  And sometimes books fall through the virtual cracks.  Anna of The Herd Presents and herding cats & burning soup has come up with a solution.  A fun way to challenge ourselves to get caught up, be accountable and do it in good company.

In the  2016 Blogger Shame Review Challenge  we are asked to go through our bookshelves and e-readers in search of books we needed to review (for whatever purpose) — the ones that got left behind for some reason.  You can click on that link above and go to the signup page with all the rules, suggestions and Mr. Linky.

I don’t have any official review copies that are old enough to qualify for this Challenge.  BUT... I do have both paperbacks and ebooks that I purchased for the express purpose of reading and reviewing.  It might have been a series I wanted to read or some new releases that got lost in getting the NetGalley deadlines met.  It is vastly important to me to get my Kindle and bookshelves cleared out in 2016 to a more reasonable amount of reviews that I’d like to do.  And of course there are going to be more books added in 2016  *sigh*.

If this sounds like a Challenge that is calling your name – head on over to the signup page and read all about this one.

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UPDATE:  Although Anna was gracious in allowing my non-arc idea to continue in this Challenge — I have reconsidered, and it really isn’t fair to ask her to let me do something that is not really, truly representative of her Challenge.  I love Anna, she is a rock star blogger and I simply cannot do anything that is not within her guidelines.  It was my choice to remove myself.  I will tackle my overloaded bought to review books in another fashion..

Best of luck to everyone who has ARCs to catch up with.  I just know everyone will be successful at this one.

 

 

 

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2016 Pick Your Genre Reading Challenge

Posted November 6, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 1 Comment

2016 Pick Your Genre RCI love the idea of Reading Challenges.  In January of 2016 I will have been back to dedicated, daily book review blogging here at Keeper Bookshelf for one year.  I know – still a babe at this really… but it’s been one solid, fun and exciting year.

I’m celebrating that year by being a bit more realistic about the Reading Challenges I join.  It is so easy to get caught up and join left and right (I see you nodding) but for me it simply wasn’t realistic since I was learning so many new things this past year – it got a bit overwhelming and I didn’t do near as well as I had hoped to.

So, this year Anna of herding cats & burning soup has come up with a simply brilliant Reading Challenge.  You pick what genre you want to read in this Challenge – it could be one category or it could be several.  It’s all totally up to you and the best part… it’s all in one place.  Now that is what I  need.

From what I understand, Anna has two places where you can sign up for this Challenge.  Since she is running all Challenges through her The Herd Presents website that is one link you can use to find out more and sign up.  Or there is a signup post on her herding cats & burning soup website as well.

I have decided to enter four genres for this Reading Challenge – Contemporary, Paranormal, Historical & Erotic.  But… I have a couple questions for Anna before I commit any further.  And I will update this post when I have those answers.  Sorry to be mysterious but I do want to know that something I have in mind is okay with Anna first… it is after all her Reading Challenge.  🙂

It’s not too early to think about your blogging plan for 2016 – and if that includes joining some Reading Challenges, this one might just be perfect for what you want to accomplish.  So click on any of the links or graphics in this post – go over to Anna’s and read the rules on the signup page and simply plan to have some fun next year.

I’m looking forward to this.  Thanks Anna!

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Alphas Uncaged Bundle by Various Authors

Posted November 5, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Alphas UncagedTitle:  Alphas Uncaged
Series:
Author:  Various Authors
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Published:  October 10, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Bear in Sight
Piper Alexander has a gift.  At least that’s what her grandmother called it. But seeing into the future isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially because the visions she sees rarely come true. When she meets Noah Hunter, who looks remarkably like the man her grandmother predicted she would marry, it suddenly seems like maybe her grandmother was right. Maybe destiny does exist.

The Write Bear
Riley James has one assignment: help bestselling author Hudson Highland finish his latest book. She travels to his family home ready to help him tackle his writer’s block. The only problem is Hudson has been hiding out from the world and women.

For Bear or For Worse
Bear shifter Cole Maddox is used to getting everything he wants, especially when it comes to women. When members of sleuth start to have problems with their shifting abilities, the elders start to pressure him to find his mate to solidify his alpha line.

Lonely Wolf
Erica needed to get away from it all. Hiking and camping alone is a bad plan, though, and a dangerous mishap leaves her fearing for her life.
On the advice of his Omega, Brandon is taking a long hike in the woods, despite not being happy about doing so. A scream of terror leads him to Erica, who’s trapped in a dangerous situation.

Bear Tycoon
Everyone wants a piece of Luke. With his alpha temperament, dashing good looks, and a 9-digit bank account, he is among Boston’s most eligible bachelors. No one knows he is a bear shifter and he intends to keep it that way.

Bearly Breathing
Shy and curvy Breanna is used to being overlooked. Just weeks before the wedding, she runs away, knowing she can’t marry someone she doesn’t love. As she flees to her friend in Canada, she wrecks her car in the mountains. Rafe, the man who rescues her, is a bear-shifter wintering in his cabin. Snowed in together, the passion flares between them, and he soon realizes she is his mate.

A Mate For Bear
An Alpha Werebear Lord and an innocent, strong willed woman fighting for her survival.
Eldest daughter of her clan, curvy Annina fights a powerful enemy for her family’s survival. Complicated territory politics force the North American Bear Shifter Council to send an overlord to make the Seven Clans clean up their act.

Shades of a Shifter
Viola St. James is an ice-cold assassin by trade, who thought she was done with men.  But when she meets her latest target, the handsome billionaire philanthropist Graham McCallum, she finds herself breaking her cardinal rule; never fall for your prey. Viola finds it hard to resist Graham’s powerful confidence and charming refinement.  Little does she know behind Graham’s arresting gaze lies a dark secret.

Slice of Honeybear Pie
When Mina Brooks’ dreams of opening her own bakery go up in literal flames, she has no choice but to run. Bad men are after her and they won’t stop coming until she’s silenced for good. It’s hard to escape though when you roll your car off a mountain road and get tangled up with the local police. Trapped in jail with her enemies closing in, Mina is all but done for.

Promised
Wolf Shifter Kara Smith is on the run from her old pack. Her only goal – to escape the man she has been promised to and live on her own terms. The problem is that her chosen protector – the Alpha of the Colstone Wolf Pack – is sexy as hell, making her wolf sit up and pant, begging for a taste. Definitely not part of her plan.

 Art of Cunning
Alexandra Kline has landed her dream job – curating her first art exhibition at the prestigious Halt Institute in the small English village of Crookshollow.

Read on for my thoughts on Alphas Uncaged.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Dangerous Games by Tess Diamond

Posted November 5, 2015 by Marsha in Mystery / 0 Comments

Dangerous GamesTitle:  Dangerous Games
Series:  O’Connor and Kincaid #1
Author:  Tess Diamond
Genre:  Mystery, Thriller Romance
Published:  November 5, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  Author
Cover Description:

A thirteen year-old girl has been taken – and Special Agent Maggie Kincaid is the only one who can get her back.

When a Senator’s daughter goes missing, every minute counts. The FBI’s best hostage negotiator, Agent Kincaid, knows what it’s like to be a terrified victim. Kidnapped as a child, those memories haunt her every day – and give her an insight into the evil mind behind this deadly crime.

But the Senator’s family has other plans, and have brought in ex-forces security expert Jake O’Connor to oversee negotiations. He’s got secrets of his own, and doesn’t play by the same rule book. With time running out, Maggie and O’Connor will have to overcome their differences to keep this case from ending in tragedy.

Read on for my thoughts on Dangerous Games.  No true spoilers, promise.

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The Christmas Tree Ranch by Lorane Kaye

Posted November 4, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

The Christmas Tree RanchTitle:  The Christmas Tree Ranch
Series:
Author:  Lorane Kaye
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  November 17, 2013
Publisher:
My Rating:  2 stars
Source:  Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

Corrine Thomas desperately needed to make a change in her life, not only for herself, but for her beautiful eleven year son as well. Life in San Francisco had just gotten too complicated! Working in the mortgage banking business gave her the break she was looking for by way of a small foreclosed ranch in North Idaho—and what a lovely name it had—The Christmas Tree Ranch!

Cleveland Mitchell had always watched over and protected his baby sister per his mother’s dying request. And even though Bonnie was all grown up and married, he still felt responsible for her and he would be damned if he was going to let some dame from California waltz in and steal his sister’s land right out from under her!

Sparks flew the moment Corrine and Cleveland met in more ways than one! For her, seeing that tall, handsome cowboy in her front yard stirred something deep inside—until he started accusing her of stealing this ranch! For him, the moment he lay eyes on her he knew she was trouble. But was it trouble for heart or was it because she was standing in front of him with an old broom aimed directly at his head!

Read on for my thoughts on The Christmas Tree Ranch.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Society’s Most Scandalous Viscount by Anabelle Bryant

Posted November 3, 2015 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

Societys Most Scandalous ViscountTitle:  Society’s Most Scandalous Viscount
Series:  Regency Charms #3
Author:  Anabelle Bryant
Genre:  Regency Romance
Published:  November 3, 2015
Publisher:  Carina
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

When rules are made to be broken…

Viscount Kellaway may sound like a gentleman, but he doesn’t act like one. As far as Kell is concerned, drink, women and the wrong side of the law are much more attractive indulgences than could be found in polite society – much to the scandal of the ton.

With all of Brighton’s women to choose from, Kell has never settled for one – and his devilish good looks mean he’s never had to. But when he spies Angelica Curtis walking on the beach by moonlight, the living vision of a familiar dream, all that changes.

Suddenly, Kell finds himself craving the touch of a single woman…and it just so happens that the woman in question won’t have him! But if Kell’s bad ways have taught him anything, it’s that nothing is truly out of bounds.

Read on for my thoughts on Society’s Most Scandalous Viscount.  No true spoilers, promise.

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The Irresistible Rogue by Valerie Bowman

Posted November 3, 2015 by Marsha in Series / 0 Comments

The Irresistible RogueTitle:  The Irresistible Rogue
Series:  Playful Brides #4
Author:  Valerie Bowman
Genre:  Regency Romance
Published:  November 3, 2015
Publisher:  St Martin’s Press
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Lady Daphne Swift comes from a family with two brothers who have proudly served the Crown. She may be a female, but she’s willing to do whatever it takes to prove that she’s as useful to the war effort as her brothers. She even went so far as to secretly marry a spy. The fact that she just happened to have been pining for Captain Rafe Cavendish for years didn’t hurt matters. But after their first mission, when she realized their marriage had been strictly business, Daphne immediately wanted an annulment. The fiery Daphne has always been a multi-tasker and now she’s hell bent on two things: finding the men who killed her brother and securing her engagement to another man to forget about Rafe forever.

As a spy for the War Office, Captain Rafferty Cavendish has been on dozens of missions. But one mission haunts him, the mission that resulted in the death of Daphne Swift’s eldest brother, Donald. Rafe agreed to work with Daphne once and put her life in danger. Now he must find the men who killed Donald, avenge the family, and convince Daphne to give him one more chance. But Daphne’s enlisted her other older brother, Julian, to help her get a quick and quiet annulment so that she can marry a fop who only wants her for her title and money. Can Rafe convince Daphne to give him one more chance, on the mission and win her heart?

Read on for my thoughts on The Irresistible Rogue.  No true spoilers, promise.

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A Bramble House Christmas by C J Carmichael

Posted November 2, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

A Bramble House ChristmasTitle:  A Bramble House Christmas
Series:  Carrigans of the Circle C #6
Author:  C J Carmichael
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Christmas Christmas
Published:  October 26, 2015
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Finn Knightly a.k.a. Finn Conrad wants to know why his recently deceased father left his nurse fifty thousand dollars after knowing her a mere six weeks. So he travels to Bramble House B&B in Marietta, Montana to find answers.

But Willa Fairchild is not the conniving woman he expects to find. Before he knows it, Willa-and her six-year-old son Scout-are stealing his heart. And that’s before he finds out Scout’s secret and the real reason this Christmas is so important.

Read on for my thoughts on A Bramble House Christmas.  No true spoilers, promise.

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The Runaway Christmas Bride by Scarlet Wilson

Posted November 2, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

The Runaway Christmas BrideTitle:  The Runaway Christmas Bride
Series:  Montana Born Christmas 2015
Author:  Scarlet Wilson
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published:  November 2, 2015
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Varsity coach Mitch Holden thinks he’s seen everything until Scotswoman Emma McGregor steps out of her car, in a bridal dress and veil, and asks him where she can find a job. Mitch is stunned but directs her somewhere to stay… and finds himself unable to keep from checking up on her.

Emma McGregor has had the worst day of her life. Finding out her groom didn’t really want to marry her was a devastating blow, but Mitch and the town of Marietta reach out to her in a way she couldn’t have imagined. Nowhere seems to do Christmas like Marietta does.

But Mitch has secrets of his own. Everyone knows about the injury that tragically ended his promising football career, but there’s more to the story… Will the magic of Marietta sprinkle some Christmas dust on their broken hearts and help them find their happy ever after?

Read on for my thoughts on The Runaway Christmas Bride.  No true spoilers, promise.

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October Blog Ahead Wrap Up

Posted November 2, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 0 Comments

Blog Ahead Oct 15Well, the October Blog Ahead event is over for 2015.  And it wasn’t a bad result for Keeper Bookshelf – although it could have been better if a family emergency hadn’t happened right in the middle.  But, life happens, ya know?

In total I managed to get 47 posts scheduled during this event.  Less than I was shooting for, but still not a bad number at all.  Most of my scheduled posts are for the Christmas Daily Romance reviews that I’m planning for the Holiday Season.  The rest were to get a bit ahead on my NetGalley reviews.

Actually the numbers aren’t the important part of the Blog Ahead Event – getting into the habit of scheduling posts for those times when life just gets in the way of blogging.  And we all know that happens to us all, far too often.  So just making a habit of taking a day or two a week and writing up posts, reviews, meme basics and such is simply a good tool for any type of blogging that we do.  Knowing that even if we can’t be at the computer, but the posts will still drop on the right day is such a stress reliever, ya know.  🙂

Anyway, I had fun, was productive and I’m looking forward to the Spring of 2016 when the next Blog Ahead comes around.  Thanks to Anna of Herding Cats & Burning Soup  and Kimberly of Caffeinated Book Reviewer for hosting and encouraging us all.

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Wrong Number, Right Guy by Elle Casey

Posted October 31, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Wrong Number, Right GuyTitle:  Wrong Number, Right Guy
Series:  The Bourbon Street Boys #1
Author:  Elle Casey
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  September 22, 2015
Publisher:  Montlake Romance
My Rating:  2 stars
Source:  Borrowed, Kindle Unlimited
Cover Description:

When a mysterious text message summons May Wexler to a biker bar in downtown New Orleans, she knows something is very wrong. Her sister has sent out an SOS, but when May gets there, she’s nowhere to be found and May is the one in trouble—she’s wearing pink espadrilles, she’s got a Chihuahua in her purse, and she’s in the middle of a shootout.

After tall, muscular Ozzie comes to her rescue, May has no choice but to follow him to safety. At the headquarters of his private security firm, the Bourbon Street Boys, she finds a refuge for the night—and the offer of a job. But it’s not long before a gun-toting stalker isn’t the only complication in May’s life: the more time she spends with Ozzie, the less she can deny that they’ve got some serious chemistry. A wrong number got her into this mess…Will it also get her the right guy?

Read on for my thoughts on Wrong Number, Right Guy.  No true spoilers, promise.

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You For Christmas by Madeline Ash

Posted October 30, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

You For ChristmasTitle:  You For Christmas
Series:
Author:  Madeline Ash
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published:  October 29, 2015
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Regan Case wouldn’t know the right side of the tracks if they ran her out of town. She’s lived hard since she ran away at sixteen, but eight years later, an accident has terrified her into pulling her life together. And that means finally going home for Christmas.

Taking her return one step at a time, she ends up on the doorstep of her sister’s best friend, Felix Nickson. The man indebted to her after she jammed ten grand down in trousers in high school and enabled him to escape his own demons. Felix agrees to let her stay, but doesn’t count on the chemistry that burns hot between them.

As they get into the Christmas spirit, he watches Regan’s shadows fade away and discovers that beneath her careless attitude, she is by far the bravest woman he’s ever met. He falls for her, fast and hard, but she fears she doesn’t deserve such a good man. A black sheep cannot change her colors.

Can Felix forgive her past or would asking for his love be one too many miracles this Christmas?

Read on for my thoughts on You For Christmas.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Snowflakes on Silver Cove by Holly Martin

Posted October 30, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 0 Comments

Snowflakes on Silver CoveTitle:  Snowflakes on Silver Cove
Series:  White Cliff Bay #2
Author:  Holly Martin
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published:  October 30, 2015
Publisher:  Bookouture
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

Libby Joseph is famous for her romantic Christmas stories. Every December, readers devour her books of falling in love against the magical backdrop of the Christmas season. If only Libby believed in the magic herself…

Struggling to finish her current novel, Libby turns to her best friend and neighbour George Donaldson to cheer her up. But George also needs a bit of support himself. Nervous about getting back into the dating saddle after splitting from his wife, he and Libby strike a deal. She will teach George how to win over the ladies, and Libby will in turn be inspired to inject her novel with a good dose of romance.

As Libby and George explore the beautiful White Cliff Bay on a series of romantic Christmas-themed dates, Libby finds herself having more fun than she’s had in ages and…discovers feelings that she never knew she had for George.

But is it too late? Will George win someone else’s heart or can Libby act like the heroine in one of her stories and reach for her own love under the mistletoe this Christmas?

Read on for my thoughts on Snowflakes on Silver Cove.  No true spoilers, promise.

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Christmas at Coorah Creek by Janet Gover

Posted October 30, 2015 by Marsha in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Series / 2 Comments

Christmas at Coorah CreekTitle:  Christmas at Coorah Creek
Series:
Author:  Janet Gover
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published:  October 30, 2015
Publisher:  Choc Lit
My Rating:  5 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

What if you don’t want to be home for Christmas?

Spending Christmas away from home is one thing but English nurse Katie Brooks is spending hers in Coorah Creek; a small town in the Australian outback.  Katie was certain leaving London was the right decision, but her new job in the outback is more challenging than she could have ever imagined.

Scott Collins rescued Katie on her first day in Coorah Creek and has been a source of comfort ever since. But Scott no longer calls the town home – it’s too full of bad memories and he doesn’t plan on sticking around for long.

Scott needs to leave. Katie needs to stay. They have until Christmas to decide their future.

Read on for my thoughts on Christmas at Coorah Creek.  No true spoilers, promise.

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